Describe an Important Tree or Plant in your Country - IELTS Cue Card

This article contains the Describe an Important Tree or Plant in your Country – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answers. You will have exactly one minute to prepare and speak in this IELTS Speaking Part 2. You should focus on one idea only and then expand that idea into a long, meaningful sentence using IELTS Grammar patterns and vocabulary. So, try practicing this topic for Part 2 of the cue card for your IELTS Speaking and achieve a good IELTS band score!

On this page, you'll find three Band 9 sample answers for “Describe an Important Tree or Plant in your Country”, each with varied ideas, tones, and vocabulary. These sample answer examples and the topic-specific vocabulary will boost fluency and coherence in your response.

Before you start, take a look at the useful idioms to answer IELTS Cue Cards!

Describe an Important Tree or Plant in your Country - IELTS Cue Card Question

Describe an Important Tree or Plant in your Country Sample Answer 1

One of the most important plants in my country is the Neem tree, also known as Azadirachta indica. It’s a large evergreen tree with small green leaves, white flowers, and olive-shaped fruit. It has a strong, slightly bitter smell, and it can grow up to 15–20 meters tall. Neem trees are commonly found across India, especially in rural areas, along roadsides, near schools, and temples. They grow well in dry climates with minimal water and maintenance.

I've always admired the Neem tree because of its incredible medicinal value. My grandmother used to boil neem leaves and make a kind of herbal drink whenever we had a fever or skin infection. Neem oil is also widely used in soaps, shampoos, and organic pesticides. What makes the Neem tree truly significant is its contribution to traditional Indian medicine—Ayurveda. It’s often referred to as the "village pharmacy" because every part of the tree—from its bark to its leaves and seeds—has healing properties.

Besides its health benefits, Neem also helps purify the air and keeps insects away. Its spiritual and practical importance makes it one of the most respected and widely used plants in our country.

Describe an Important Tree or Plant in your Country Sample Answer 2

I’m going to talk about an extremely widespread plant in my country, the coca leaf. Although it’s controversial in other countries, as this plant is used to produce cocaine, it’s said to heal the symptoms of altitude sickness and give you a boost of energy while climbing the high Andes Mountains. In fact, it’s considered a sacred plant in my country due to its healing tendencies. Let me tell you more about it!

It’s a green color and not very large in size. I’d say each individual leaf is about 4-5 cm in length and 2-3 in width. This plant is native to western South America, meaning Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, and Ecuador, cultivated in both the lowlands and highlands of the Andes mountains. Moreover, people can also grow this plant in the comfort of their homes with seeds. It’s recommended to keep the plant inside in a warm, sunny environment.

I really cherish (appreciate) the coca leaf because I believe it carries medical value. I really believe that it cures the headaches, nausea, and light-headedness associated with altitude sickness. Furthermore, it’s what I turn to when I get any type of headache, not associated with altitude sickness and I feel that it’s a healthy alternative to drinking coffee. All in all, I feel it’s better to use something natural rather than a manufactured pill.

Coca is important to my country’s people for several reasons. Firstly, it is a cash crop. Secondly, this plant is regarded as a sacred plant, so they play an important role in our offering ceremonies to Mother Earth. Lastly, it cures a multitude of illnesses! As you can see, we love this plant.

Describe an Important Tree or Plant in your Country Sample Answer 3

One of the most important and sacred plants in my country is the Tulsi plant, also known as Holy Basil. It’s a small shrub with fragrant green or purplish leaves and tiny purple or white flowers. Tulsi is commonly grown in pots in courtyards, balconies, or near the entrance of Indian homes. It requires sunlight, regular watering, and can thrive in tropical climates.

What makes Tulsi special is not just its appearance or aroma, but its deep-rooted connection to Indian culture and spirituality. In Hinduism, it is worshipped as a symbol of purity and divine protection. In fact, many families perform daily rituals and prayers around the Tulsi plant.

I like the Tulsi plant because of its strong medicinal properties. Its leaves are used in herbal teas to treat colds, coughs, and respiratory issues. It’s also a natural immunity booster and stress reliever. My family often uses Tulsi during seasonal changes to stay healthy.

Apart from its religious and health benefits, Tulsi is a key element in Ayurvedic medicine and is widely used in traditional remedies. It represents a blend of spiritual belief and scientific utility, which is why it holds such great importance in our lives.

Describe an Important Tree or Plant in your Country - IELTS Vocabulary

Check out some IELTS Vocabulary to use while answering the cue card, "Describe an Important Tree or Plant in your Country” with examples:

• Widespread: existing or happening in many places or among many people
  Eg: The tsunami caused widespread devastation.
• Symptoms: any feeling of illness or physical or mental change that is caused by a disease
  Eg: John showed mild symptoms of jaundice.
• Healing: the process of making or becoming sound or healthy again
  Eg: The process of healing from a disease takes time.
• Cherish: to love, protect, and care for someone or something that is important to you
  Eg: Rose cherished her children with love.
• Recommend: to suggest that someone or something would be good or suitable for a particular job or purpose,
  Eg: The doctor recommended rest

In conclusion, Describe an Important Tree or Plant in your Country - IELTS Cue Card is a great opportunity to showcase storytelling, reflection, and descriptive vocabulary. Use the Band 9 sample answers and topic-specific words from this blog to talk confidently and boost your chances of achieving your desired IELTS Band Score.

Updated Cue Cards

Based on recent IELTS speaking topics, here is an updated list of cue cards to practice and prepare for the exam:

• Describe An Important Change In Your Life
• Describe Something You Own Which is Very Important to You
• Describe a Festival that is Important in your Country
• Describe an Important Conversation that Influenced You
• Describe a gift you have received that was important to you
• Describe an Interesting Place in Your Hometown - IELTS Cue Card
• Describe A Country You Have Visited - IELTS Cue Card